American Olympians To Watch In Rio: Boxer Mikaela Mayer

Los Angeles native Mikaela Mayer was a hair’s breath from the 2012 London Games, but lost in the final round of the trials. This time, her spot is secure, and the 26-year-old Under Armour-sponsored boxer told FN she’s ready to defeat whoever steps in the ring.

What are your goals for Rio?
I didn’t come this far only to come this far — I plan ongoing there and winning the gold. I’ve worked hard to be where I am. [Now] it’s about performing when I need to perform.

Tell us about your preparation.
I’m training six days a week. We get Sundays off. We do strength and conditioning in the morning, and boxing in the evening.

The Under Armour ClutchFit Title Hunter boxing shoes.Courtesy of Under Armour.

What shoes do you wear to train and compete?
I run in the SpeedForm Gemini, and for training or footwork drills I wear the Micro G Limitless sneakers. [In the ring], I use the boxing boot Under Armour designed for us, the UA ClutchFit Title Hunter.

Who inspires you?
My dad. When I said, “I want to be a boxer” at 17, he was the first to help me get to my tournaments and everything. And now, it’s my teammates. You don’t meet many girls who are training for the Olympics, so these girls know what it took to get here.